Conservation
Hamilton City Council, Waikato and Waipa district councils use the Smart Water Use water alert level system in their areas. Information about the current water alert level and restrictions in these districts are available via their websites.
Drought Questions and Answers
Water restrictions have been a way of life for the city during this record-breaking long, hot dry summer. Click here for some answers to commonly asked questions.
All water restrictions in the city will cease on Monday 6 May 2013.
Summer Water Conservation Alert Levels
Water Alert Level 1
Sprinkler systems are permitted between 6-8am and 6-8pm only.
No restriction on commercial/non-residential properties.
Water Alert Level 2
Sprinkler systems are permitted between 6-8am and 6-8pm on alternate days only. This means if your street address is an even number you may water between the restricted hours on even dates of the month only. For example: If you live at 8 Smith Street, you may use your sprinkler and irrigation systems on the 12th, 14th, 16th etc).
No restriction on commercial/non-residential properties.
Water Alert Level 3
Total ban on domestic sprinklers. Only hand held hosing permitted.
Restriction on outdoor water use for commercial/non-residential properties.
Water Alert Level 4
Total ban on all external non essential water use.
Restriction on all external water use for commercial/non-residential properties.
If you have concerns over water use or would like more information please contact our Customer Services team on 07 838 6999 or email cityinfrastructure@hcc.govt.nz. Please provide an address, time and date relating to your concern, so we can contact the property owner and advise them of the restrictions currently in place.
To report improper water use please fill out our online form.
Smart Water Use
Dry conditions in the summer of 2007/08 saw Hamilton approach the maximum levels of water it could source from the Waikato River. Treating and reticulating these extremely high volumes of water is a significant financial cost and on-going use of these amounts is simply not sustainable, therefore a total ban on domestic garden sprinklers was introduced that summer to help reduce the city's water consumption – the first time in more than 20 years that such as measure was taken.
With long-term weather forecasts suggesting Hamilton could once again experience a similar dry spell, Hamilton City Council has joined forces with Waikato Regional Council, Waikato District Council, Waipa District Council and other territorial authorities throughout the greater Waikato region to encourage residents to be proactive about water conservation.
Smart Water Use is a region-wide campaign which aims to strengthen people's perceptions of water as being a limited and precious resource, and educate and encourage residents to conserve water in their day-to-day lives. The campaign is not intended to be a 'quick fix' but to promote long-term, sustainable behavioural changes.
As part of Smart Water Use, in 2008 Hamilton City Council introduced the following alert levels based around the city's water consumption. These alerts come into effect in the city in the summer months, with changes in levels communicated through local newspapers, radio stations, signage, social media and on this website.
See Smart Water Use Tips for more information.